l3130 or b21

[Telstar2112]

New user here looking to buy first tractor with backhoe for use on hilly 80 acre vacation home. Just to dig some trenches to divert water, dig swimming hole in stream, tow a brushog... etc. Buying used. Decided possibly on B21. But not many to choose from. In looking I have seen similar hour L3130 w/TLB HST for not much more $. From what I read I thought this was a much bigger tractor but it doesn't look like it in the pictures. Are these two tractors comparable? That extra HP would be nice for the brushog but I question why these seem to be only slightly higher price. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve.

 

[Telstar2112]

Or how about a B2920. How does that compare to a B21. B21 seems hard to find and pretty expensive.

 

[johnk]

A B21 is a beast of a machine for its size. If your main purpose is using a backhoe this should probably be your choice. If you want a tractor to operate implements off your three pt hitch and do moderate backhoe work thiss should be your definite choice.. The B21 is a TLB with a swivel seat and the 3130 has a separate seat for the hoe.

 

[Dadof3]

Ive owned an L35 and own an l39. The big brothers of the B21 and very similar. You can't beat Kubota's dedicated TLB's for backhoe and loader work in a small package. If you want to do crop work or use the PTO a lot then maybe the L3130 would be better ( I've also had an L3650 ). The loaders and hoes are so much smoother and stronger on the purpose built tractors.

 

[moship]

I don't have any experience with a B21 but I do own a L3130 with a 9' backhoe that I'm very happy with it. The backhoe comes off easy enough, but it does take a few minutes to put the 3-pt hitch arms on. Added in Edit: The BH90 uses a subframe that stays attached to the tractor. (added in response to MarkV's excellent comment about using subframe vs. 3-pt hitch mount)

If looking for a used tractor try to find one with a quick-attach bucket. The ability to swap between bucket and forks (or anything else) is very easy and useful.

If you have any specific questions about the L3130 let me know.

 

[scaredychicken]

for a vacation home (limited time on property), how about considering the BX25 with FEL and BH package ? - good value, if the hp & size are sufficient for your needs. it would also be small enough to transport back and forth on a flatdeck with a typical truck or SUV --- that way, the tractor would have year round use


an older inexpensive larger tractor would be another option

 

[PapaPerk]

For 80 acres.... Definitely the 3130! Look at the 3830 also.

 

[MarkV]

I have a B21 and also an L39 Kubota. The B21 is a great tractor yet for your situation I am not sure it is the best choice. The B21 is rather weak in PTO hp. That will limit you to a 4' Bush hog. Depending on how much of the 80 acres you are mowing it can be time consuming. It is also a narrow stance tractor designed for light commercial work in tight areas. Narrow stance, hilly terrain and stability can be an issue. The 3130 is physically larger with a wider stance which is good for your hills. Now as I recall the 3130 has somewhere around 25 PTO hp so is also somewhat limited and would call for a 5' Bush hog. Also with the 3pt backhoes I would not consider one that does not have the optional subframe to support the backhoe. To many problems with the backhoes that are only supported by the 3pt hitch. Ideally I would think that a tractor in the L size class with at least 30 PTO hp and a subframe backhoe would be a good fit. That would let you run a 6' rotary mower, many of the L tractors offer different rear wheel setting to give you a wider stance for greater stability and the subframe backhoe works well for many who are not doing full time backhoe work. Just my 2 cents.

MarkV

 

[Telstar2112]

Yes, I was worried about the weak pto. Your points about the stance on the hills was another thought although I kind of liked the idea of a small enough but tough tractor. I'll widen my search more and look for an L model with sub frame hoe.

 

[dfkrug]

From what I read I thought this was a much bigger tractor but it
doesn't look like it in the pictures. Are these two tractors comparable?

Not in the same class at all. The L3130 is more than 50% heavier than the B21, as well as
larger. It's 3-pt hitch lifts nearly 2x the weight. And the B is a 2000 psi machine, while the
Grand L has 2500 psi hydraulics.

As MOSHIP says, you can even put a 9-ft hoe on the L, while the hoe on the B is a 7.5-er.

 

[Telstar2112]

There's a used L35 not too far from me I could look at. That seems like the big brother to the B21. May do the trick if its not too too big.

 

[MarkV]

Good solid tractor/loader/backhoe and enough power for PTO work. It is a shuttle shift rather than Hydrostatic tranny, not a problem for me. One caution, the L35 originally came with the 3pt arms but many were used only for backhoe work the the 3pt pieces have disappeared over time. They are very pricey to replace and some have reported hard to find. Just a heads up.

MarkV

 

[Carl_NH]

The B21 is a nice unit but does lack PTO HP and as others have said - but the L35 a much better choice and probably not a lot more $ and for your acreage a better choice.

The FOPS (full overhead frame and canopy) for protection if you are on hilly ground is a plus vs the base ROPs setup.

The only downside to the FOPS is you need a 9' OH clearance for storage - so if you are building a shed etc, make it 10' clearance (so when you get a bigger tractor) it will fit too!

 

[moship]

Telstar2112,

A few comments:

1. The operator's manual for the L3130 states the maxium rotary cutter size is 72" and 770 lbs

2. Do you have a need for mid PTO, such as for front mounted snow blower usage or mid mower? If so, you might want to check if the B21 and L35 are capable of a mid PTO operation?

3. Might also want to check if the FEL is removable on the B21 and L35... Assuming this capability is important to you.

4. The L3130 didn't come standard with mid PTO, but it can be added very easily. (This doesn't hold true for all L series and there are a few specific models where it is significantly more difficult and expensive)

5. Quick Attach bucket is well worth having even if you don't have an immediate need for it. (Quick Attach is for removing the bucket from the FEL arms. This makes it easy to swap between bucket and pallet forks for example.

6. Don't underestimate the cost of 3-pt arms if they are missing. They might be available as whole goods cheaper than buying the individual pieces through parts.

Good luck searching for your tractor!